quote:Originally posted by Vino Bevo:
It's a Wonderful Life, followed by The Christmas Story. Two traditions in our house.
A Christmas Story?
quote:Originally posted by Vino Bevo:
It's a Wonderful Life, followed by The Christmas Story. Two traditions in our house.
quote:Originally posted by Juicy:quote:Originally posted by winetarelli:
American Hustle
(We got the timing for The Hobbit wrong so saw this today instead. Maybe I'll visit Middle Earth tomorrow...)
When this movie was nominated for the Golden Globes in the 'Comedy' section I vaguely grimaced, assuming, like Inside Llewyn Davis it is a drama with a few humorous moments -- but definitely not a comedy -- and the HFPA just wanted to nominate the ten films, actors, and actresses they wanted to nominate. Even before the movie begins, however, in the very first frame, I realized, nope. This could actually be bordering on tongue-in-cheek dramedy, or even "serious comedy". By the end of the movie it is more clear; while not a comedy per se, it also isn't neatly categorizable as anything else.
Whatever the case, it is a lot of fun.
The plot focuses on two (at least somewhat fictitious) con-people in 1978 -- played by Amy Adams and Christian Bale -- and their role in the Abscam scandal (something I was not yet alive for, know nothing about, and that did not seem to matter). Also integral to the cast are Bradly Cooper as an FBI agent and Jennifer Lawrence as Bale's wife. Louis C.K. and Jeremy Renner play smaller supporting roles, more comic and more dramatic, respectively, and both are excellent.
I really really liked this movie. Not quite 'loved', only because it isn't that type of movie. It isn't *meant* to stay with you or make you think about big things. It is meant to be 2 hours and 10 minutes of fun that you can actually feel good about having. And on that it fully delivers. (In fact, it feels shorter than it is and I was almost sad there wasn't more when it ended.)
The writing, direction and editing are very clean with no loose ends but also with every included frame serving a purpose. Direction happens to be excellent and includes just enough quick zooms and cut-aways to keep the pacing just slightly more quick than a typical movie of this caliber. Halfway through I was reminded of a review I read comparing David O. Russel's direction of this to Scorsese. I had forgotten, but all of the sudden pacing and timing images of The Departed came into my consciousness and it wasn't long before my mind made the jump to Scorsese, generally. (Especially Goodfellas and later works.)
The makeup could be just slightly better, perhaps, but the wardrobe is wonderful. It isn't "Oh hey look, it is the 70's let's make fun of what people wore then." It treats the time with certain respect...
Speaking of wardrobe and respect, I think I "respect" Amy Adams more now than I ever have. Wow. WOW. Her acting was wonderful, too. Her acting was very honest and of the four leads, she was playing it most naturally, whereas the other three leads have a certain theatrical flare to their performances (while still remaining fundamentally honest.) Adams was just brilliant, as she always is. Bradley Cooper was excellent but the least of the four. Not necessarily "worse" acting than the other three, but he did not quite command the screen the way the others did. Bale and Lawrence were both dynamite; just out of the park. I never could have imagined Bale in a shlubby role like this, but he is so oddly charming (very oddly) that you can *almost* see why these women like him. Jennifer Lawrence... more so than in any other movie of hers, just owns every scene she is in. She had such screen presence in this movie that even though most of her scenes are with Bale, she is all you can look at on the screen. Also it was fascinating to see her play a somewhat unlikable character and nail it so.
All-in-all I had a great time. It isn't an historically good movie, but it is a phenomenal way to spend a guilt-free "fun" afternoon at the movies. A-
Thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Would agree this is not a comedy yet had a few wonderful comedic moments.
If interested in con artist films, this is a great film. Jennifer Lawrence excels in her scenes. De Niro was amazing. This provided a great escape for me today.
quote:Originally posted by mpls wine guy:
Mystery Train.
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:
Stranger Than Paradise around 1986. Recommended if you haven't seen.
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
A Single Man.
Two truly professional performances.
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
The Silent Partner ( 1978)
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
The Silent Partner ( 1978)
In 1986, when I was working in a video store, I discovered this unknown gem. I then used this as my go-to recommendation movie. When a customer was looking for a suggestion I would hand it to them and tell them, "If you don't like it I will give you your money back." No one ever asked for a refund.
A great example of what I call a "Now what's he going to do now?" film.
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
The Silent Partner ( 1978)
In 1986, when I was working in a video store, I discovered this unknown gem. I then used this as my go-to recommendation movie. When a customer was looking for a suggestion I would hand it to them and tell them, "If you don't like it I will give you your money back." No one ever asked for a refund.
A great example of what I call a "Now what's he going to do now?" film.
I did fall in love with Celine Lomez watching this movie for the first time in college.
I also had a 155 gallon aquarium in college which caused me a moment of pause watching this excellent film.![]()
quote:Originally posted by bman:
I remember being pleased that a Canadian film actually admitted it was set in Canada!
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:quote:Originally posted by bman:
I remember being pleased that a Canadian film actually admitted it was set in Canada!
I do not think it has happened since.![]()
quote:Originally posted by bman:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:quote:Originally posted by bman:
I remember being pleased that a Canadian film actually admitted it was set in Canada!
I do not think it has happened since.![]()
Almost true! There was one maybe 10 years ago set in Montreal with Edward Norton and either Gene Hackman or Paul Newman, amongst others. Wish I could remember the name as I really enjoyed it, especially the plot twist towards the end.
quote:Originally posted by winetarelli:quote:Originally posted by bman:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:quote:Originally posted by bman:
I remember being pleased that a Canadian film actually admitted it was set in Canada!
I do not think it has happened since.![]()
Almost true! There was one maybe 10 years ago set in Montreal with Edward Norton and either Gene Hackman or Paul Newman, amongst others. Wish I could remember the name as I really enjoyed it, especially the plot twist towards the end.
The Score (2001). DeNiro and Brando are in it. No Hackman or Newman.
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
Our local film critic just released his 5 flops/worse movies of the year. I think I had only heard of one, maybe two.
Admission
Gangster Squad
Girls Most Likely
The Internship
Oz
The American film industry really has lost its way, IMO.
quote:Originally posted by Wine Sparty:
The Little Mermaid - Santa brought it for my 3 year old daughter, and I watched it with her. I had never seen it before...and have now seen it twice in one day!
quote:Originally posted by winetarelli:quote:Originally posted by Wine Sparty:
The Little Mermaid - Santa brought it for my 3 year old daughter, and I watched it with her. I had never seen it before...and have now seen it twice in one day!
You had never seen it?!
Absolute magic. My unapologetic favorite Disney movie -- and one of my favorite movies of all time, period.
quote:Under the sea...
quote:Originally posted by bman:
Thought of another one: Take This Waltz
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
Beginners
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:
A Marriage: Georgia O'Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz, but I cannot find it anywhere.
quote:Originally posted by DoktaP:
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
Ed Wood
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
Ed Wood
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
Ed Wood
Just the mention and I can hear the great opening credit music. I love this movie, it has so much heart. Easily Tim Burton's finest film.
quote:Originally posted by steve8:
including both Batman movies,
quote:Originally posted by steve8:quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
Ed Wood
Just the mention and I can hear the great opening credit music. I love this movie, it has so much heart. Easily Tim Burton's finest film.
Not so sure I can use the word "easily" in that sentence. I love most of Burton's work including both Batman movies, the animated genius of The Nightmare Before Christmas, Big Fish and Beetlejuice.
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
The Sweet Hereafter
Exotica
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by steve8:quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
Ed Wood
Just the mention and I can hear the great opening credit music. I love this movie, it has so much heart. Easily Tim Burton's finest film.
Not so sure I can use the word "easily" in that sentence. I love most of Burton's work including both Batman movies, the animated genius of The Nightmare Before Christmas, Big Fish and Beetlejuice.
I love Beetlejuice, I can take or leave most of his other work, but none of it can touch Ed Wood.
Oh yeah, I've never met a superhero movie that I could call great. I've given up watching anymore of them about 5-6 years ago.
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:
The East-90pts. I think Brit Marling is just one smart woman. None of her movies are perfect, but they're all unique and have many clever elements.
quote:Originally posted by mneeley490:
Man of Steel
Wow, what a downer. I wish they had spent some of that FX money for a good script.
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
Ed Wood
Just the mention and I can hear the great opening credit music. I love this movie, it has so much heart. Easily Tim Burton's finest film.
quote:Originally posted by sunnylea57:quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
Ed Wood
Just the mention and I can hear the great opening credit music. I love this movie, it has so much heart. Easily Tim Burton's finest film.
Loved Ed Wood , but I'd place Edward Scissorhands at the top of that list.
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
The Sweet Hereafter
Exotica
Egoyan's two finest movies. Both deserve a higher audience. Though most don't know Exotica, The Sweet Hereafter Egoyan was nominated for an Academy Award for best director and screenplay. Of course it was too good to win this stupid award. Ian Holm's performance is also a revelation.
Egoyan is the master of the hidden truth film; there are clues, but like a Sherlock Holmes' mystery there are things the characters know that we don't. When revealed they often have crushing implications. His most recent mainstream movie was Chloe with Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore. An epic fail of a movie, but worth the price of admission to see Amanda Seyfried's glorious naked body.
Worth checking out are his earlier works such as the 40 minute Calendar (kind of a variation on Blow Up) and the semi-surreal The Adjuster.
His strangest work is the TV mini-series Yo-yo Ma Inspired by Bach. I believe I saw some of this on TV and pretty much turned it off early.
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
The Sweet Hereafter
Exotica
Egoyan's two finest movies.
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:quote:Originally posted by steve8:
including both Batman movies,
You just lost all credibility.![]()
![]()
quote:Originally posted by Rob_Sutherland:
Il Postino.
Heart wrenching as always. My wife had never seen it and when I told her Troisi knew he had a heart condition that he wouldn't check so he could finish the movie and died the day after filming stopped she cried herself to sleep.
quote:Originally posted by bman:quote:Originally posted by Rob_Sutherland:
Il Postino.
Heart wrenching as always. My wife had never seen it and when I told her Troisi knew he had a heart condition that he wouldn't check so he could finish the movie and died the day after filming stopped she cried herself to sleep.
Well, that story knocks you out of the Husband of the Year running!![]()
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quote:Originally posted by irwin:
The Magic of Belle Isle.
Morgan Freeman is really terrific. It's a very nice movie, not super exciting, but a good yarn.
quote:Originally posted by eyesintime:
Star Trek: Into Darkness
Third sequel I've watched in about the last week and none were very good -- Red 2 and Iron Man Three being the others. This one was not as bad as Iron Man Three, but still pretty bad.
And Anchorman would be a good original to avoid.quote:Originally posted by spo:quote:Originally posted by eyesintime:
Star Trek: Into Darkness
Third sequel I've watched in about the last week and none were very good -- Red 2 and Iron Man Three being the others. This one was not as bad as Iron Man Three, but still pretty bad.
Anchorman 2 would be another sequel to avoid.
quote:Originally posted by winetarelli:
Inside Llewyn Davis
A disappointment. Very well acted, photographed, produced and directed. And the music was fun and evocative, if not good. But the story was not engaging.
IMO, this is one of the less compelling of the Coen brothers' movies. Still, it is do well done that I have to respect it. B
quote:Originally posted by wineismylife:
Really? I enjoyed it.
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
The German Doctor
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
The German Doctor
Wow.
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
The German Doctor
Wow.
Old Man, ???
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
The German Doctor
Wow.
Old Man, ???
I just don't know how you find these things. It sounds like a very intense film. Worth seeing?
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
Anatomy of a Murder
quote:Originally posted by Parcival:
Elysium -- late last night after done with some preemptive shoveling.
Not Matt Damon's best. Mildly entertaining
quote:Originally posted by VinT:
Picasso: Magic, Sex and Death
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
M
quote:Originally posted by mneeley490:
The Wolverine
Entertaining, but I fell through some of the plot holes near the end.
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
M
I forgot to mention this great (first that's still known today?) example of a talking German Expressionistic film.
quote:Originally posted by winetarelli:
Fierce Creatures.
For the 8th or so time. Under appreciated comedy partially due to the even better comedy the same folks made in the 80s, but still very enjoyable and funny.
quote:Originally posted by KSC02:
Dr No
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:
good movie, Six Degrees of Separation.
quote:Originally posted by tanglenet:
We finally saw a new film in a theater: American Hustle. I liked the film (although the first 15-20 minutes of handheld close-ups started to make me dizzy) and while it is "loosely" based on an actual series of events, it is not a story of the real events themselves and takes major liberties with the story line and characters. The film did remind me of another film though, Closer. The reason: both star a quartet of big name actors and actresses and in both films, the younger actresses, Jennifer Lawrence and Natalie Portman, are clearly out of their league and out classed by the superior acting and or acting experience of their co-stars. I actually like both of them, but in this type of ensemble acting, their performances came off as false and forced. Otherwise, it is a well executed film and enjoyable entertainment.
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:
good movie, Six Degrees of Separation.
Time for a revisit for me on this film.
quote:Originally posted by winetarelli:
Personally, I found Jude Law and Bradley Cooper -- both incredible actors in their own rights -- to be the weak links of the two respective movies.
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
White Material
quote:Originally posted by Rothko:
Lone Survivor
I'd give it about a B+. Good movie about a true SEAL operation in Afganistan. A few questionable points about the combat depictions, but overall quite good.
quote:Originally posted by ThistlinTom:
The Place Beyond the Pines
quote:Originally posted by eyesintime:quote:Originally posted by ThistlinTom:
The Place Beyond the Pines
What did you think? I noticed that this was moving its way up my Netflix queue.
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
Notorious
quote:Originally posted by E A Bowers [FlWino]:
Hot Fuzz
quote:Originally posted by Wine Sparty:
The Heat. I thought it was pretty funny.
quote:Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
Saw Frozen with a couple of the grandkids yesterday. Classic Disney stuff. Pretty good, actually. The kids loved it.
PH
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
Saw Frozen with a couple of the grandkids yesterday. Classic Disney stuff. Pretty good, actually. The kids loved it.
PH
Funny you say that. I think that the new style of animation, and even the stories, are very untypical what I think of as "classic Disney." But perhaps it says the world has changed.
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
Saw Frozen with a couple of the grandkids yesterday. Classic Disney stuff. Pretty good, actually. The kids loved it.
PH
Funny you say that. I think that the new style of animation, and even the stories, are very untypical what I think of as "classic Disney." But perhaps it says the world has changed.
quote:Originally posted by KSC02:
Been watching Season 1 of Suits.
Pretty good entertainment, IMO
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by KSC02:
Been watching Season 1 of Suits.
Pretty good entertainment, IMO
Wrong category. Thanks for playing, we have some lovely parting gifts for you however.![]()
quote:Originally posted by KSC02:quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by KSC02:
Been watching Season 1 of Suits.
Pretty good entertainment, IMO
Wrong category. Thanks for playing, we have some lovely parting gifts for you however.![]()
I'm far from the first to post a TV Series![]()
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
Jules and Jim
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
Jules and Jim
Just reading the title makes me wistful. Haven't watched in such a long time, I must again.